õhutee

Õhutee, also known as the "airway" or "air passage," is a critical anatomical structure in the human body that facilitates the exchange of gases between the lungs and the external environment. It is a complex network of tubes and passages that extend from the nostrils to the lungs, including the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. The primary function of the õhutee is to allow the inhalation of oxygen-rich air and the exhalation of carbon dioxide-rich air.

The õhutee is composed of various structures, each with specific roles in the respiratory process. The nasal cavity filters and warms the incoming air, while the pharynx serves as a common passage for both air and food. The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords and plays a crucial role in speech production. The trachea, often referred to as the windpipe, connects the larynx to the bronchi, which branch into the bronchioles that lead to the alveoli in the lungs. The alveoli are the sites where gas exchange occurs.

The õhutee is supported by a network of muscles and cartilage, which help maintain its patency and facilitate breathing. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs, is the primary muscle of respiration, contracting and relaxing to move air in and out of the lungs. The õhutee is also lined with mucous membranes that produce mucus, which helps trap particles and prevent them from entering the lungs.

The õhutee is essential for survival, as it ensures the continuous supply of oxygen to the body's tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration. Any disruption or obstruction in the õhutee can lead to respiratory difficulties, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Proper care and maintenance of the õhutee are vital for overall health and well-being.